I have been on a sewing and creating roll here this week! I've made or done something creative nearly everyday this week. I've been working on lots of things for my daughter; and though some things are finished, there are still some wips left to knock out. I updated my blog a bit. I hope you all like the way it looks now. I feel it is a tad fresher and represents me more.
Well today I have for you two articles of clothing: one being a pencil skirt and the other being a cardigan. Let's start with the skirt.( I must warn you; there are a ton of photos.)
Showing posts with label clothes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label clothes. Show all posts
10.04.2012
Autumn, I Believe You Have Arrived!
I managed to get out a shirt Sunday and one Monday. They are some "hybrid" pieces, if you will. I think they will go well transitioning from warm temperatures to cooler ones. I pretty much will wear sleeveless get-ups all year round because I love layering with cardigans. So here are three tops that I have made recently.
I love each and every one of these tops, let me just say. They will probably get a WHOLE lotta use out of them this season.
The first blouse: I had this red floral and navy dalmatian print silky fabric that I had purchased from a thrift store sometime ago. I got about 3 yards for 99 cents. I didn't realize I had that much until I started making this shirt. When I laid the fabric out I knew exactly what I wanted it to be. So I set out to make this sleeveless tie-neck peplum bad-boy. I love the vintage print, and I think this style further adds to the beauty of this interesting silky fabric. The interesting thing about the fabric is that although it has a silky texture, it also has some jacquard dots allover it. That creates some fun texture to the top as a whole. I really like the vintage/modern look of it all. I needed more "dressy" blouses (that are also long enough to cover my plumber's crack). This will look delightful paired with a cardi.
The second blouse: I don't even remember where I got this fabric from; I think it may have been at an antique mall. It's like a cotton blend voile that is amazingly airy (and see-through). I also have yards and yards of this one as well. I have been hoarding this puppy for ever since I can remember. At any rate I finally pulled it out of my stash and decided to sew something up. Well I was in the mood for peter-pan collars, and this is what I came up with. The fabric is a nice shade of red with tiny little polka dots. I'm not a red or polka dot fan but I'm getting there. It has cap-sleeves and a gathered bodice in the front and back with a back zipper for easy on and off. With the gathers the shirt actually is made like a tent top, but I think it's still very cute.
The third blouse: I have been wanting a hi-lo blouse, and I finally got myself one. I.love.this.shirt!!!! AH! It is made from some rayon challis that I bought from Fashion Fabrics Club. I didn't realize how grungy this top looked until I wore the button side in the front and belted it. But who cares that I brought the 90s back. Every other decade has been brought back lately.
So just to let you know it is technically a reversible hi-lo top. The original correct way to wear it would feature the higher side in the front (which will have a pocket when I add it) and the lower button-down side in the back. However I was toying around with the shirt and put the button-down side on in front, and I loved the end result when belted. It almost gave it a bit of a peplum look. As soon as I can get my hands on more grungy floral rayon, I am going to whip up some of these babies. Talk about comfy!!!
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| L to R: Tie-neck peplum, Gathered bodice w/Peter Pan collar, Reverse button-down hi-low |
I love each and every one of these tops, let me just say. They will probably get a WHOLE lotta use out of them this season.
The first blouse: I had this red floral and navy dalmatian print silky fabric that I had purchased from a thrift store sometime ago. I got about 3 yards for 99 cents. I didn't realize I had that much until I started making this shirt. When I laid the fabric out I knew exactly what I wanted it to be. So I set out to make this sleeveless tie-neck peplum bad-boy. I love the vintage print, and I think this style further adds to the beauty of this interesting silky fabric. The interesting thing about the fabric is that although it has a silky texture, it also has some jacquard dots allover it. That creates some fun texture to the top as a whole. I really like the vintage/modern look of it all. I needed more "dressy" blouses (that are also long enough to cover my plumber's crack). This will look delightful paired with a cardi.
The second blouse: I don't even remember where I got this fabric from; I think it may have been at an antique mall. It's like a cotton blend voile that is amazingly airy (and see-through). I also have yards and yards of this one as well. I have been hoarding this puppy for ever since I can remember. At any rate I finally pulled it out of my stash and decided to sew something up. Well I was in the mood for peter-pan collars, and this is what I came up with. The fabric is a nice shade of red with tiny little polka dots. I'm not a red or polka dot fan but I'm getting there. It has cap-sleeves and a gathered bodice in the front and back with a back zipper for easy on and off. With the gathers the shirt actually is made like a tent top, but I think it's still very cute.
The third blouse: I have been wanting a hi-lo blouse, and I finally got myself one. I.love.this.shirt!!!! AH! It is made from some rayon challis that I bought from Fashion Fabrics Club. I didn't realize how grungy this top looked until I wore the button side in the front and belted it. But who cares that I brought the 90s back. Every other decade has been brought back lately.
So just to let you know it is technically a reversible hi-lo top. The original correct way to wear it would feature the higher side in the front (which will have a pocket when I add it) and the lower button-down side in the back. However I was toying around with the shirt and put the button-down side on in front, and I loved the end result when belted. It almost gave it a bit of a peplum look. As soon as I can get my hands on more grungy floral rayon, I am going to whip up some of these babies. Talk about comfy!!!
By the way the turquoise britches (he he) I have on in the pictures above are some cigarette pants that I made from some stretch twill. I will have a post on them later. Anyway I hope you guys have been enjoying yourselves some wonderful Autumn weather! I know that I have.
Have you been working on anything for your fall wardrobe? I'd love to see!
9.16.2012
Floral Blossoms Blazer
As I mentioned be for in this sneak peak, I made myself a blazer. I drafted up a quick little pattern from a basic bodice pattern I had created awhile ago. I used a corduroy dress that I had purchased for 50 cents from a thrift store. I had originally intended on making a pair of shorts with the dress fabric but decided against that because I wouldn't wear a pair of corduroy shorts. Then I actually tossed the dress into my donate pile and left it there. But before I took off my donate stuff, I rescued the dress again and reasoned that fall was coming and it would be nice to have a light blazer to wear.
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| From This... |
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| ...To This! |
I made it with a sort of asymmetrical hem with the front being longer than the back. I added princess seams in the front and a split in the back to go over my derriere. I'm debating a closure, however. I think I am going to do a single button closure, but I'm actually okay with it not having a closure just yet. I also did a three-quarter sleeve because it doesn't really get super chilly here in the fall. Besides I have plenty of long sleeve cardys and jackets.
I am totally in love with this print. That was the main reason I picked up this tacky dress. One other reason being that it was only $0.50. I figured I could mess up a half dollar piece of clothing and not feel bad about it.
I barely had enough fabric to make this work after I ripped open the many seams that made up the original British dress. So I had to use the original sleeves and just widen them with strips of the fabric (which worked out marvelously because I didn't feel like gathering puff sleeves.) I also didn't line it, which I may should have done at least for the lapel pieces. I think I can get away with it though.
That red mini polka dot blouse that I am wearing I also made. But there will be a post about that later as well. I cannot wait to wear this baby out. I have so many things that I want to pair it with, including some things that I still have to make.
Speaking of things that I still have to make: my goal is to make as many clothes as possible for myself this fall. For one I want to save money, secondly retail clothes sometimes ill-fit me, thirdly I need to deplete some of my fabric stash, and lastly I want to push myself harder in my designing, drafting, and sewing.
What have you been working on lately?
Hope you guys have a fantastic weekend!!
9.13.2012
How About Some Fall Sewing..
I have been busy designing patterns and sewing things out for the past week. I have to take photos of everything soon.
I have made a babydoll peter pan top, a floral corduroy blazer, ikat print shorts, and I'm working on a knit and lace peplum blouse and wool peplum jacket.
I do have a couple of pictures of the shorts and an unfinished photo of the corduroy blazer (I will have more on this piece in a future post.)
The fabric for the shorts is a ikat print stretch twill that I purchased from Joann awhile back. I bought it for this purpose but wasn't sure when I was going to make them. The shorts feature "tuxedo stripes" if you will on the sides. I just added a stripe of the same fabric cut in a different direction on each side. I added to front pockets, a mock fly opening with zipper and button closure, and elasticized back waistband. I even finished all of my seams!
These shorts turned out extremely well and are comfortable to boot. I sort of wish that I cuffed the legs, but I think the hem suffices.
What type of projects are you working on for autumn?
I have made a babydoll peter pan top, a floral corduroy blazer, ikat print shorts, and I'm working on a knit and lace peplum blouse and wool peplum jacket.
I do have a couple of pictures of the shorts and an unfinished photo of the corduroy blazer (I will have more on this piece in a future post.)
The fabric for the shorts is a ikat print stretch twill that I purchased from Joann awhile back. I bought it for this purpose but wasn't sure when I was going to make them. The shorts feature "tuxedo stripes" if you will on the sides. I just added a stripe of the same fabric cut in a different direction on each side. I added to front pockets, a mock fly opening with zipper and button closure, and elasticized back waistband. I even finished all of my seams!
These shorts turned out extremely well and are comfortable to boot. I sort of wish that I cuffed the legs, but I think the hem suffices.
What type of projects are you working on for autumn?
6.17.2012
{Tutorial}: Cropped Tank
Well today I have whipped up a little tutorial for you to make a quick tank in about 30 minutes from start to finish, and it won't even take up the entire yard. It even has a bit of a high-lo hem.
Let's get started!
Materials:
-1 yard of jersey knit
-tank top for tracing
-sewing machine & supplies
Fold your fabric in half lengthwise twice (double hot dog fold) so that you will be cutting the front and back pieces at the same time. Place your folded tank top on the fold of your fabric. Make sure your stretch is crosswise if your fabric only has 2way stretch.
Trace around the neckline, straps and armholes. Extend the armhole slightly and draw an A-line shape. And since this is a cropped tank make the shirt about half the length of your original tank top.
Remove one of the tank pieces. Now working with only one of the folded pieces, draw a tapered line across the bottom like so. Cut this shape out.
Matching the sides and tops of the shoulder straps, sew with a slight zigzag stitch. Turn inside out.
And your done!! You can hem or bind the raw edges if you like. I enjoy how it looks with the raw edges, sort of reminds me of this American Apparel tank. In fact this is what inspired this shirt; we have ordered them so much at work and I thought that I could make one.
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| Sorry about this ridiculously confused look I have on my face. The sun was in my face, causing it to now allow me to see the front screen on my camera. |
And there you have it! A simple and comfy tank that you can whip up in seriously 30 minutes. Elongate it if you're not into that midriff thing
6.11.2012
Vintage Sheet Skirt
I have been very busy on my sewing machine this weekend. I managed to whip up a pleated vintage sheet skirt Sunday afternoon. I love it! It has pleats in the front, elasticized back and long ties that can either be tied in the front or the back. I should have added pockets, but honestly this was just a muslin.
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| front |
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| pleats |
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| back |
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Must make more!! |
3.09.2012
"Waiting for Spring" Buttondown Skirt
I have been really into sewing clothes lately. And I'm really wanting Spring to come along badly. It actually has been fairly warm around here, even through Winter. So I guess it's sorta been Spring all year round. But I'm ready for it to be official.
So in an effort to update my wardrobe and prep it for Spring, I made myself a buttondown skirt. I bought some fabric from Hobby Lobby awhile ago when I was working there for this actual purpose. I saw a buttondown skirt on Burdastyle right before I bought my fabric and let that be my inspiration.
I chose this coraly, salmony floral fabric because I think it's gorgeous and I'm really into corals and salmons (but I'm not much into red, pink, and orange strange, right?)
It may be a little hard to tell but I reinforced the waistband with rows and rows of salmon stitches. I really like the decorative texture it adds to it. I added tiny little pleats to the skirt.
Like I said it is a buttondown skirt. I didn't want the buttons to be ridiculously obvious, so I chose some wee little orange buttons that sort of blend into the skirt print. I also made horizontal buttonholes just for a little twist.
I handed pleated this thing. That took entirely too long. I think next time I will stick to my gut and use my ruffler foot as I had intended.
The great thing about this skirt is that there is no gapping between the buttons. Other skirts I own have that, and I'm not a fan of my underparts showing.
So in an effort to update my wardrobe and prep it for Spring, I made myself a buttondown skirt. I bought some fabric from Hobby Lobby awhile ago when I was working there for this actual purpose. I saw a buttondown skirt on Burdastyle right before I bought my fabric and let that be my inspiration.
I chose this coraly, salmony floral fabric because I think it's gorgeous and I'm really into corals and salmons (but I'm not much into red, pink, and orange strange, right?)
It may be a little hard to tell but I reinforced the waistband with rows and rows of salmon stitches. I really like the decorative texture it adds to it. I added tiny little pleats to the skirt.
Like I said it is a buttondown skirt. I didn't want the buttons to be ridiculously obvious, so I chose some wee little orange buttons that sort of blend into the skirt print. I also made horizontal buttonholes just for a little twist.
I handed pleated this thing. That took entirely too long. I think next time I will stick to my gut and use my ruffler foot as I had intended.
The great thing about this skirt is that there is no gapping between the buttons. Other skirts I own have that, and I'm not a fan of my underparts showing.
1.06.2012
Trial Run #2: Wrap Tunic
I actually have made this pattern before a couple of years ago when Kelsey was about 2 years old. It just happened to run across my mind again the other night. I adore wrap dresses on wee people, makes them so cute.
I actually shortened it to see how it would look. It isn't a bad looking top.
Again I used vintage sheet remnants and some random ribbon I had. It's terribly mix-matched but it's just a muslin...
Stay tuned for my trial runs!
9.27.2011
Hello, Fall!
Ah, my favorite time of year is upon us! Finally! What a sweltering summer we've had. I love fall time in Alabama; actually I love Alabama's climate, but autumn makes it that much better. Fall, here, is mild and comfortable, pants or shorts weather, great for longer skirts and cardigans, not cold but not deathly humid....just right. I've been working on an autumn wardrobe for the tot, mostly consisting of skirts. Of course she loves skirts; she's such a girly girl. I've been trying to use fall like colors and textures, ya know, denim and corduroy and lightweight wool. Here are a few bottoms I have been working on for her.
paperbag corduroy skirt
I triple stitched the hem for a little decorative topstitching.
pleated denim skirt
halloween pants
I'm usually big on making seasonal themed clothing for the simple fact that it will only last for that season. But I had this fabric lying around and figured I would use it before she outgrows what I have and it be a waste. Besides I think this fabric is uber-cute! There is a yellow jersey peasant top that is going along with it that I embroidered Happy Halloween on. I just need to add elastic and the outfit will be completed.
Speaking of embroidery! I've digitized a couple of Halloween phrases for t-shirts and such. I need to upload them soon. Here they are:
I've been trying to work on my manual digitizing skills. I've actually got a lot of things that I have digitized so far. I just haven't had time to stitch them out or blog about them. I will have to get some of my machine embroidery stuff blogged about soon.
paperbag corduroy skirt
pleated denim skirt
halloween pants
I'm usually big on making seasonal themed clothing for the simple fact that it will only last for that season. But I had this fabric lying around and figured I would use it before she outgrows what I have and it be a waste. Besides I think this fabric is uber-cute! There is a yellow jersey peasant top that is going along with it that I embroidered Happy Halloween on. I just need to add elastic and the outfit will be completed.
Speaking of embroidery! I've digitized a couple of Halloween phrases for t-shirts and such. I need to upload them soon. Here they are:
I've been trying to work on my manual digitizing skills. I've actually got a lot of things that I have digitized so far. I just haven't had time to stitch them out or blog about them. I will have to get some of my machine embroidery stuff blogged about soon.
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